Malawi Urged to Build Economic Resilience As World Economy Wobbles

A senior economist from the Reserve Bank of Malawi, Kisu Simwaka, warned that Malawi can no longer rely on external demand or donor support as the global economy slows down. Tobacco earnings, the country's largest foreign exchange earner, dropped sharply to US$287.1 million by early October 2026, down from US$526.2 million the previous year, reflecting weakening global demand. Simwaka pointed out that slower growth in Asia and volatility in the Middle East could further pressure Malawi's export earnings and economic stability, emphasizing the need for reforms to build resilience.